Jong Woo Kim

Grand Master Jong Woo Kim, 78, of Fishers, Indiana, passed away at home surrounded by his family on November 29, 2021. He was a devoted and loving husband, father, and grandfather.

Grand Master Kim was born on December 1, 1942, in Goryeong, North Kyungsang-do, South Korea, the 6th child among 8 siblings and the youngest of two sons. At the age of 8 years old, Grand Master Kim learned and excelled in the arts of Judo and Tae Kwon Do earning his first black belt in middle school. He was offered a martial arts scholarship to attend the prestigious Yeungnam University to study Judo. It was there where Grand Master Kim became the captain of the Judo team and won the National Collegiate Judo Championship in 1963. As a result, he was awarded and promoted to fourth degree Black Belt. He then achieved the title of National Champion two years in a row and was selected for the 1964 Korean Olympic team and Korean World Judo Champion team. All of these honors led to Grand Master Kim to be sent by the Korean government to the United States to help develop a Judo program for the U.S. Amateur Athletic Union (AAU). He mastered and set out to spread his craft and passion of martial arts in the United States. He was a member of the Korean National Olympic Team invited to the U.S. to teach Judo techniques.

After arriving in Chicago in 1967, he headed directly to the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) headquarters in Kansas City, MO. With his passion and eager determination, he was able to tackle a grueling teaching schedule. He taught martial arts classes at the University of Missouri at Kansas City, the Kansas City Chief’s football team, and classes at the Bushidokan Martial Arts school.

During his 2 years stay, Grand Master Kim stayed with fellow instructor Jim Harrison who he regarded as the “Godfather” of U.S. Martial arts. He was always excited to tell his stories of meeting several famous celebrity martial artists. He taught Chuck Norris and professional kickboxer Bill “Superfoot” Wallace and was friends with Bruce Lee. He also met David Moon, the Mexican National team coach; Mike Stone, Elvis Presley’s family instructor; and Janet Walgren, the United States Karate Alliance Champion to name a few.


Upon his Kansas City residency, he began to feel homesick, but with improved English-speaking skills and the encouragement of a friend, he decided to pursue an MBA at Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana. After settling in Muncie, he opened Mudokwan Judo and Karate School. Later the name was changed to Mudokwan Martial Arts, USA. He invited his fiancee from Korea and they were married on August 17, 1969. Together, they raised their daughter (Sandy) and son (John).

The original Mudokwan school in downtown Muncie existed in the same building for over 45 years before moving to the Kilgore Ave location until his retirement in 2015. Grand Master Kim led a life of integrity and hard work as a husband, father, grandfather, teacher/mentor and friend.

Grand Master is survived by his wife of 52 years, Sook Hee; daughter, Sandy Kim; son, John (Jennifer) Kim; and grandchildren Jason and Samantha Kim. He was preceded in death by his parents Bong Jo and Aki (nee Hwang) Kim.

A memorial service will be held at Indiana Funeral Care at 8151 Allisonville Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46250 on Saturday, December 4, 2021 from Noon to 2:00pm. Calling hours will be held at Glad Tidings Church, 3001 S. Burlington Dr, Muncie, Indiana 46302 on Monday, December 6, 2021 from 6:00-8:00pm. Online condolences may be offered at: http://www.indianafuneralcare.com